Behaviour a world premiere about hidden abuses of power, set and developed in Ottawa
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – OTTAWA, February 27, 2019 – GCTC fosters theatre that is relevant to Ottawa audiences, and Behaviour is a perfect example. Set in Ottawa, the play was written by award-winning local playwright Darrah Teitel during her tenure as Playwright in Residence at GCTC. Alongside partners SpiderWebShow Performance and Playwrights' Workshop Montréal, GCTC played a significant role in Behaviour’s development.
And now the locally-grown play hits GCTC’s main stage from March 12–31 as part of our 2018–19 season, with two previews on March 12 and 13 and an opening night on March 14, 2019.
Behaviour explores abuses of power hidden just below the surface of everyday life. The play follows Mara (Zoë Sweet), a new mom and Parliament Hill staffer, as her life spins into chaos while her boss, Jordan (Sarah Kitz), and her husband, Evan (Pierre Antoine Lafon Simard), attempt to manipulate her. Rich with humour, Behaviour examines how we navigate trauma within restrictive hierarchies. It tells the story of a woman who realizes how confined she has become.
“We are learning together that the interplay between hierarchy, power, labour and abuse is so commonplace that it’s almost universal,” says playwright Teitel, herself a former Hill staffer.
This important play will be available to more people than ever before in GCTC’s history. Behaviour will be streamed worldwide in partnership with SpiderWebShow Performance. On March 27 at 8pm EST, behaviourplay.ca will feature a three-camera stream direct from GCTC’s main stage.
“As a digitally-engaged performance company we are constantly looking for new ways to broaden access to the theatre,” says Michael Wheeler, director of Behaviour and artistic director at SpiderWebShow. “We have the opportunity to bring this play live to audiences everywhere.”
GCTC is committed to bringing down barriers and involving more people in the arts community, and Behaviour’s livestream is an opportunity to invite people from across the world into our theatre. The live stream is free-to-access and will be promoted on gctc.ca.
CAST
Deena Aziz: Lydia
Sarah Kitz: Jordan
Pierre Antoine Lafon Simard: Evan
Zoë Sweet: Mara
CREATIVE TEAM
Shannon Lea Doyle: Set & Costume Designer
Olivier Fairfield: Sound Designer
Charles Ketchabaw: Livestreaming Expert
Mariah Horner: Assistant Director
Peter Spike Lyne: Lighting Designer
Jane Vanstone Osborn: Stage Manager
Angela Schleihauf: Assistant Sound Designer
Michaela Steven: Assistant Stage Manager
Darrah Teitel: Playwright
Emma Tibaldo: Dramaturgy
Michael Wheeler: Director
OPENING NIGHT FOR REVIEWERS
Thursday, March 14, 2019. Curtain is at 8:00 p.m.
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday–Friday. Saturday performances take place at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Pay-what-you-decide performance on Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m. and a post-performance talkback will take place on the main stage on Thursday, March 21.
TICKETS
Tickets are on sale now at GCTC’s Box Office at 1233 Wellington West at Holland, 613-236-5196 or GCTC.ca. Regular ticket price range: $42 to $58; Rush Tickets $15 for students; $33 for adults.
Tickets can be purchased in person from the GCTC Box Office after noon on the day of performance. Valid student ID required for Student Rush.
THE FRITZI GALLERY
From March 12 to April 28, 2019, the Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC) and The Ottawa School of Art (OSA) will present Footprint by Josée Van Dromme at the Lorraine “Fritzi” Yale Gallery. In this exhibition, Van Dromme shows her abstract paintings, which are textured and organic with rich layers of earth toned colours that create a sense of movement and rhythm. A vernissage, with an opportunity to meet the artist, will take place Tuesday, March 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. GCTC’s partnership with the Ottawa School of Art is supported by Cube Gallery.
ABOUT GCTC
GCTC is celebrating its 44th season in 2018–19. We continue to foster, produce and promote excellent theatre that provokes examination of Canadian life and our place in the world. Now in the last year of a 3-year strategic plan, GCTC aims to increase the diversity on it stages, diversify its audiences and deepen their experience. GCTC also continues to embrace artistic risk and to ensure a wide range of theatrical experiences.
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For more information or to arrange interviews, contact:
Jared Davidson
Marketing and Communications Manager
Great Canadian Theatre Company
613-236-5192 ext. 229